Posts from the ‘Spiritual Growth & Discipleship’ Category

“The pain part of it is very clear from Scripture…God guides through discipline,” says Ed Underwood, Author and Senior Pastor at Church of the Open Door in Southern California. Pain can also be used to build maturity and character. “The pleasure might have to do with our joy in Christ…we can be content in places […]

“[My] first rule of theology is: God is smart. He’s not gonna gift us in a way that frustrates us,” answers Ed Underwood, Author and Senior Pastor at Church of the Open Door in Southern California. Our talents and skills are signs toward what we should be doing. God will make his plan clear to […]

“Am I just dealing with a ‘religious’ person, or am I dealing with a Christian?,” asks Ed Underwood, Author and Senior Pastor at Church of the Open Door in Southern California. analyzing the individual situation is important here: People are excellent at making up excuses for their behavior, but conviction is part of the Christian […]

“His guidance is very persistent: Repent,” answers Ed Underwood, Author and Senior Pastor at Church of the Open Door in Southern California. Being sensitive to sin in our lives is a vital part of living the Christian life. God is very capable of letting us know when we are sinning. “Live openly and honestly with […]

“I would say when we’re going through those tough times, that’s where community really comes in,” says Ed Underwood, Author and Senior Pastor at Church of the Open Door in Southern California. Times will come when it seems that there is no answer from God…which is why community is so important. “I don’t want somebody […]

“When we wonder if we are on the right path, ask God for a sign of encouragement,” answers Ed Underwood, Author and Senior Pastor at Church of the Open Door in Southern California. “These aren’t road signs that say ‘go this way’ or ‘go that way,’ these are more real time.”

“All the principles still apply,” says Ed Underwood, Author and Senior Pastor at Church of the Open Door in Southern California. These mistakes are a common part of the process of maturing as a Christian, but our God is redemptive. “The Christian life is a life of grace.”

“Spiritual leadership is not top down, but bottom up,” explains Ken Wytsma, President of Kilns College and Pastor of Antioch Church in Bend, OR. Within Christian leadership there are two categories, the civil category and the spiritual category. When leadership no longer resonates with truth, you have a right to remove yourself from that authority. […]

“When I am trying to communicate heart and communicate vision…I most likely have an idea for where I want that to go,” explains Matt Knisely, award-winning photojournalist and Creative Director for Gateway Church. “I’m constantly trying to figure out how to work it and develop it and take it where it needs to be.”

“I got to a point where I just had to get out of my comfort zone…and I started painting,” explains Matt Knisely, award-winning photojournalist and Creative Director for Gateway Church. Often creating for self instead of creating for God can lead to difficult, desert-like periods. “I realized, through reflection, that it was how I was […]